Book Description
Tired of church as you’ve known it? Thirsty for a fresh look at Christian faith?
American singer/songwriter and author Tyler Blanski was, too. So he set out on a Holy Pilgrimage to rediscover the saints, stars, and beauty of Christianity for the twenty-first century. Rich with deep application for living in the modern world, When Donkeys Talk is an invitation to become enchanted again with Christ and his world.
Tyler reminds us that God works in unexpected, unusual, and miraculous ways and that he inhabits and speaks through the wondrous world he has made. Blanski redefines “magical” to help us see that the world is guided by a hand greater than science and materialism. Using scripture, the wisdom of the church fathers, and respected theologians and Christian thinkers from centuries past, as well as a creative and humorous narrative, you will find the wonder of our ancient faith still alive and well.
When Donkeys Talk: A Quest to Rediscover the Mystery and Wonder of Christianity by Tyler Blanski
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I have to admit that I have mixed feelings concerning this book. I always enjoy Christian books that take a somewhat less traditional view, and this book certainly lives up to that sentiment. The story of Balaam and his donkey always brings a smile to my face. The author took this idea and ran with it, and sometimes I found myself quite interested in what he had to say. Being challenged to think through my Christian walk in a bit different way is a hallmark of this book, and so sometimes I enjoyed this book immensely.
However, this book does come across a bit too off-beat and somewhat out there. I found myself rolling my eyes way too often. Part of the problem is that the author comes from a mainline denominational viewpoint. I am of more an evangelical persuasion, so our theology differs. I’m not saying this isn’t a Christian book. I never questioned the author’s faith. In addition to all of this, I would have preferred a little less use of the Biblical word used for a donkey. I felt that the author took advantage of this figure of speech several times too many.
The best thing about the book is the brevity of the chapters. I say this because this was a book that I could look forward to reading as a semi-devotional at the end of a long, hard day. I can’t say I would choose to read this author again, but he was easy to read and often quite humorous to read.
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated and all opinion are 100 percent mine.
About the author (from amazon)
www.tylerblanski.com
Tyler Blanski is a house painter by trade, but a house painter who is foolish for Christ. In the winter months, he works in his ‘shop,’ writing books and singing folk tunes. He’s an introvert and whenever he can, he loves to get off-line and out into the world. Blanski wishes he were good at gardening, hesychastic prayer, and working with motors, but the learning’s been slow. He’ll never settle on this score.
He is currently pursuing holy orders in the Anglican Church, and is a seminarian at Nashotah House Theological Seminary. He blogs about his ministry at: www.holyrenaissance.com
Publisher’s Weekly brands his writing as ‘edgy and hip.’ Blanski’s rough-hewn folk songs have been described as ‘simple, effective, and elegant folk rock.’ Mostly, he just loves a chance to get dirt under his fingernails.
Tyler is the author of four books: When Donkeys Talk: Rediscovering the Wonder and Enchantment of Christianity, Mud & Poetry: Love, Sex, and the Sacred, Clay Eyes, and Loveletting. His writing has been published by CNN, ABC News’ Good Morning America, Geez Magazine, and the Hillsdale College Collegian. He has been featured on KARE 11 Television’s “Show Case Minnesota,” and his music (Out from the Darkness, 2008; Think Out Loud, 2010) has charted on more than 400 college radio stations throughout the United States.
He graduated from the Perpich Center for Arts Education in 2002, studied at the Centre for Medieval and Renaissance Studies, Oxford, in 2005, and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies from Hillsdale College, 2006. He is the co-founder of the Couch Society, a writer’s forum, and a board member of Venite Ministries, a retreat center in Minneapolis.
He’s also released two music CDs of his original work: Think Out Loud: Music Fighting Homelessness, and Out from the Darkness. Check ’em out, and turn it up!
